Cal LB Hardy Nickerson transferring to Illinois

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Cal linebacker Hardy Nickerson will transfer to Illinois, he announced Thursday.

Nickerson will leave the program as a graduate transfer, meaning he will be able to play for the Illini immediately. He made the decision so he can play under his father, who was hired as the defensive coordinator by new Illinois coach Lovie Smith.

In the statement regarding his decision to leave, Nickerson said the chance to play for his father was something he “simply cannot pass up.”